“In the spirit of my recent compilation that just came out on Definitive Recordings, I have continued to create, dig, and play some favorites and old secret weapons for this mix. The songs are raw in some ways, yet full of feeling and soul from the artists that when you listen in context, you can see remember the simple honest energy of house and techno when it was in the early stages and how you could still mix vocals and raw rhythms and non 4-4 beats” – John Acquaviva
John Acquaviva arrived on the global scene in 1990 beside Richie Hawtin, co-founding Plus 8 Recordings and later the house-oriented Definitive Recordings. A seasoned Canadian club DJ, even then, he quickly earned respect for seamless, story-driven sets that bridged raw techno with funk-infused house.
Beyond the booth, Acquaviva has shaped modern DJ culture. He championed Final Scratch (Traktor Scratch), the first mainstream vinyl-control system, and co-founded Beatport, which remains the leading electronic-music marketplace. After Beatport’s sale in 2013, he and partner Rishi Patel launched Plus 8 Equity Partners, investing in music-tech ventures such as LANDR, Endel, and Overplay.
His credits extend to film: Acquaviva executive-produced The Red Man (2015), a club-culture thriller that picked up multiple festival awards. Recognitions followed, including a 2016 DJ Awards “Electronic Music Pioneer” honor and induction into the London (Ontario) Music Hall of Fame in 2022.
Now splitting time between Europe and a creative base in San Pedro de Atacama, Chile, Acquaviva curates cultural events, keynotes, and a busy touring calendar. With Definitive’s catalog now under Roland Leesker from Get Physical, reissues and new signings are rolling out, and a brand-new Acquaviva compilation is just released.
01. Mad Mike feat. Davina – Don’t You Want It – Underground Resistance
02. M-1 – Feel the Drums
03. John Acquaviva – Hummer – Definitive Recordings
04. Todd Terje – Ragysh
05. Roland Leesker – Bones
06. Italo Johnson – Let’s Get Back
07. Peace Division – Blacklight Sleaze
08. Cassy – Back
09. Hidden Obsession – ID (Unreleased)
